Blackglengarry 2 Posted October 6, 2010 Report Share Posted October 6, 2010 Hi everyone. I am trying to decide between buying a Yugo SKS and a Saiga x39. I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice based on their experience of the Accuracy, Reliability and Practicality of these two rifles. I had originally been planning on buying a saiga .308 but a Swiss K31 caught my eye instead. So I am still looking to get a fighting carbine. I am not interested in putting optics on it and I will probably be keeping it pretty plain jane whichever one I get. Thanks! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
VaiFanatic90 360 Posted October 6, 2010 Report Share Posted October 6, 2010 I would go for the Russian Saiga x39, and do a conversion with some nice wooden furniture Don't get me wrong, the Yugo SKS's are great, but I'd much rather have a dedicated AK-47 type weapon that I can always rely on. With a bullet guide and some other minor mods, you'll be able to use Saiga mags and military surplus mags! Should a SHTF scenario ever occur, you'll have a better chance finding AK mags than say those for an SKS. Just my .02, YMMV. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
superA 289 Posted October 6, 2010 Report Share Posted October 6, 2010 Had both, sold the SKS. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jimdigriz 580 Posted October 6, 2010 Report Share Posted October 6, 2010 Hi everyone. I am trying to decide between buying a Yugo SKS and a Saiga x39. I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice based on their experience of the Accuracy, Reliability and Practicality of these two rifles. I had originally been planning on buying a saiga .308 but a Swiss K31 caught my eye instead. So I am still looking to get a fighting carbine. I am not interested in putting optics on it and I will probably be keeping it pretty plain jane whichever one I get. Thanks! A Saiga 308 would still be good. If not that, a converted Saiga 7.62x39, or better yet, an SGL21. If you don't want to convert, and your only two choices are Saiga 7.62x39 and SKS, I would go SKS. The unconverted Saiga is lacking. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
VaiFanatic90 360 Posted October 6, 2010 Report Share Posted October 6, 2010 Hi everyone. I am trying to decide between buying a Yugo SKS and a Saiga x39. I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice based on their experience of the Accuracy, Reliability and Practicality of these two rifles. I had originally been planning on buying a saiga .308 but a Swiss K31 caught my eye instead. So I am still looking to get a fighting carbine. I am not interested in putting optics on it and I will probably be keeping it pretty plain jane whichever one I get. Thanks! A Saiga 308 would still be good. If not that, a converted Saiga 7.62x39, or better yet, an SGL21. If you don't want to convert, and your only two choices are Saiga 7.62x39 and SKS, I would go SKS. The unconverted Saiga is lacking. Jim makes and excellent point. If you're not going to convert your saiga back into it's AK form, then the SKS is a better way to go. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BpS12 512 Posted October 6, 2010 Report Share Posted October 6, 2010 Sx39 is new firearm, SKS's used(or are they making newones?)firearm. I prefer the newer firearm esp since they go for about the same as a used SKS, at least in my area. Get the 20" barrel if you want similar range. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
VaiFanatic90 360 Posted October 6, 2010 Report Share Posted October 6, 2010 Sx39 is new firearm, SKS's used(or are they making newones?)firearm. I prefer the newer firearm esp since they go for about the same as a used SKS, at least in my area. Get the 20" barrel if you want similar range. If you want a fighting-carbine as you call it, you'll want to go with the 16" barrel for better maneuverability. A fighting carbine is usually used for close-range combat, so you don't really need to worry about accuracy at long ranges, or range in general. A converted saiga will be just right for you, it's reliable, rugged and shoots a respectable round. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
chevyman097 2,579 Posted October 7, 2010 Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 (edited) An sks is a fine weapon and very fun to shoot. I have one, love it, will never let it go. I hunt with it on occasion. I also have a saiga. Its is also a GREAT weapon and I hunt with it. Either can take down any medium game you want. THey are both fun and I will never get rid of either. What would I choose if I HAD to choose between them? THe Saiga. Its a blast, fun to shoot, fun to restore and work on. Id say decide what you want first, then put the other on second on the list. Get em both. Edit: although if you do go sks.....go Norinco. Edited October 7, 2010 by Chevyman097 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jimdigriz 580 Posted October 7, 2010 Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 Jim makes and excellent point. If you're not going to convert your saiga back into it's AK form, then the SKS is a better way to go. I'll say this, though. If I were to get an SKS, I would not get a Yugo. Too much useless extra crap on it (grenade launching attachment, grenade launcher sights, etc), and it is longer than the other variants and thus less wieldy. Also, the barrel is not chrome lined. I see that Aim is offering a sale of Romanian SKS rifles right now for a decent price... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tittiger 0 Posted January 20, 2011 Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 Jim makes and excellent point. If you're not going to convert your saiga back into it's AK form, then the SKS is a better way to go. I'll say this, though. If I were to get an SKS, I would not get a Yugo. Too much useless extra crap on it (grenade launching attachment, grenade launcher sights, etc), and it is longer than the other variants and thus less wieldy. Also, the barrel is not chrome lined. I see that Aim is offering a sale of Romanian SKS rifles right now for a decent price... Is the Saiga chrome lined? And what are the conversions? You mean to accept AK magazines? Or is there more? Thanks! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rocinante 100 Posted February 1, 2011 Report Share Posted February 1, 2011 (edited) I have a yugo SKS and IMHO it is very well build like a tank. A chrome lined barrel contributes to ease of maintain when using corrosive ammo. A chrome line barrel does not and may even detracts from accuracy. Top end target rifles are never chrome lined. Just clean your rifle. HUH. I can agree with the grenade launcher but kids thinks it looks tacti cool so it might always be a minus. They like the bayonet too My SKS is slightly more accurate than my saiga AK. Short stroke piston and longer barrel contributes to that. I got the SKS first and then went all out to turn it into an AK. So I bought an AK. Edited February 1, 2011 by rocinante Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Azrial 1,091 Posted February 1, 2011 Report Share Posted February 1, 2011 SKS's were great when they were $75 each! But at the price they are now there is no why I would consider one over an AK, even an unconverted Saiga. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tyep 0 Posted February 20, 2011 Report Share Posted February 20, 2011 SKS's were great when they were $75 each! But at the price they are now there is no why I would consider one over an AK, even an unconverted Saiga. I agree completely with Azrial had a Yugo SKS all tapco'd out and like the Saiga X39 so much better for many reasons even unconverted. Lighter by far, more reliable as well, less feeding issues, better made, better quality metal, my Saiga is more accurate than my SKS was as well, and for overall looks Saiga 8-9, SKS 6 out of 10. To each his own, but for me Saiga has my vote by far!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike1234567 26 Posted February 20, 2011 Report Share Posted February 20, 2011 I'm buying all Saigas... parts interchangeability is maximized, prices are excellent, once tuned they run nearly flawlessly forever, customization options are nearly limitless, far more accurate than I'll ever be, they do everything I want them to do and more, ad infinitum. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
timy 1,185 Posted March 6, 2011 Report Share Posted March 6, 2011 Hi everyone. I am trying to decide between buying a Yugo SKS and a Saiga x39. I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice based on their experience of the Accuracy, Reliability and Practicality of these two rifles. I had originally been planning on buying a saiga .308 but a Swiss K31 caught my eye instead. So I am still looking to get a fighting carbine. I am not interested in putting optics on it and I will probably be keeping it pretty plain jane whichever one I get. Thanks! In a perfect world you could have both. This isn't a perfect world, so..... You mentioned you wanted a "fighting carbine". Either of the two would serve pretty well in that capacity except for one thing. Feeding the beast. The rock and lock on a Saiga may not be as fast as a magwell but is quicker and less clumsy than swapping hi cap mags on an SKS. I've only run one SKS and that was very limited but it was accurate. I'd probably give it a slight edge there. Reliability and practicality go to the Saiga hands down IMHO. Two out of three ain't bad. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
G O B 3,516 Posted April 14, 2011 Report Share Posted April 14, 2011 The SKS is best if you are going to be on your belly in the mud. The top feed mag doesn't require lifting to reload. The Saiga and all AK's ae better for everything else. Accuracy slightly better in the SKS. Make your world perfect and get BOTH! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jimdigriz 580 Posted April 14, 2011 Report Share Posted April 14, 2011 Hi everyone. I am trying to decide between buying a Yugo SKS and a Saiga x39. I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice based on their experience of the Accuracy, Reliability and Practicality of these two rifles. I had originally been planning on buying a saiga .308 but a Swiss K31 caught my eye instead. So I am still looking to get a fighting carbine. I am not interested in putting optics on it and I will probably be keeping it pretty plain jane whichever one I get. Thanks! I'd probably get an SKS in a state that only allows 10 round magazines or that requires bullet buttons. Otherwise, get the Saiga and convert. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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